Does National require an IDP in Mauritania?

The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.

A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.

The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.

Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).

National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.

There are no toll roads in Mauritania, so no vignette or e-tag is needed. The main paved corridors (e.g. Nouakchott-Nouadhibou, Nouakchott-Rosso) are free to use.

Parking is largely unregulated and informal, with no paid colour-coded zones; in central Nouakchott self-appointed gardiens will watch your car for a small tip. Avoid leaving vehicles unattended off main streets.

Police roadblocks may levy on-the-spot cash fines for licence, insurance or document irregularities, so insist on a receipt. The mandatory windscreen insurance sticker (about 950 MRU / US$26 for 10 days) is checked and its absence draws an immediate penalty.

A police report must be filed for any crash; if there is injury or death the drivers involved are typically detained until a judge determines responsibility. Dial 117 for police (response is slow outside Nouakchott) and do not move vehicles before officers attend where possible.